Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners, This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This will be a short one today, because the yard man came and I always enjoy spending time with him and seeing how a purely worldly view looks at the state of politics and what's going on in sports.
Yesterday, I received a call from the Hospice counselor, who will check on me for a year, just to see how I am doing, and she said I was the most interesting person. In spite of all the health issues I have had since Louis' death, she said I sounded good and strong. She can tell a lot by a person's voice. I told her I had a good support system with my church friends and my sons, and she knows about the motorcycle ride and Sea-doo ride. My God is so good!
Tomorrow is my last nose treatment, and I am so glad! I had to wait an hour because of a new patient with three treatment sites. I should have taken a book, but I didn't know. I finally got lunch about 2, but had a snack bar and cheese and crackers to tide me over.
We had another storm last night, but the trash is off the yard, now that the grass is cut and everything blown clean. God is really good!
Ephesians 3:20,21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever!
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Paul's Final Thoughts
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining brilliantly after the thunderstorms of last night. I thought the lightning and thunder would never end! Our power went off three times and came back on after a minute or two.l That's the kind of storm I really don't care for. The trees sure got cleaned out, though, There is trash all over the yard and driveway..leaves and broken twigs, especially in the driveway and it looks like a nest at the end of the drive. Maybe just a big clump of leaves. Anyway, I will have to go clean it off, before the heat gets too fierce.
Today I go for my next to last radiation treatment. Yay! The best part is coming or going and seeing roseate spoonbills by the road. I saw one way out in the field Monday, all by himself. They are so beautiful! I watched a DVD about the environment in a rain forest on the big screen at the oncology place and saw lots of different hummingbirds with many colors, but still, the roseate is the prettiest.
I didn't see any birds except a tri-colored heron, and an anhinga at the park yesterday. Very few people there, But the clouds were already building up, so it's a good idea not to be out among the trees. But God is good!
Philippians 4:4-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry abour anything;instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice and all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Today I go for my next to last radiation treatment. Yay! The best part is coming or going and seeing roseate spoonbills by the road. I saw one way out in the field Monday, all by himself. They are so beautiful! I watched a DVD about the environment in a rain forest on the big screen at the oncology place and saw lots of different hummingbirds with many colors, but still, the roseate is the prettiest.
I didn't see any birds except a tri-colored heron, and an anhinga at the park yesterday. Very few people there, But the clouds were already building up, so it's a good idea not to be out among the trees. But God is good!
Philippians 4:4-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry abour anything;instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice and all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Opportunities
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am a little later than usual this morning, because I felt so ambitious that I changed the sheets and put them in the washer before breakfast. I'm sure I will run out of energy very soon, though! :o)
I always find something interesting in the mailbox on on the porch. Yesterday, when I took the mail out, I noticed one of those little striped lizards clinging to one of the envelopes. It was only about two inches long, including the tail, but fortunately for me, I was able to brush him off before bringing him into the house. Then this morning when I stepped outside there was a plump little frog, hopping away from the door. I think he was probably under the mailbox, because that is where the outside light is left on all night, attracting lots of bugs. Yum.
When I went to the park, after my radiation treatment, all was peaceful with few people there. It's best to go early in the morning or in the evening if you want to avoid so much heat. However, we did have a nice little storm last night, and water is still dripping off the roof. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you, that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know that an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Ephesians 5:15-20 Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, Let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God"s word i not an opportunity from God.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25-29
To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have, will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I always find something interesting in the mailbox on on the porch. Yesterday, when I took the mail out, I noticed one of those little striped lizards clinging to one of the envelopes. It was only about two inches long, including the tail, but fortunately for me, I was able to brush him off before bringing him into the house. Then this morning when I stepped outside there was a plump little frog, hopping away from the door. I think he was probably under the mailbox, because that is where the outside light is left on all night, attracting lots of bugs. Yum.
When I went to the park, after my radiation treatment, all was peaceful with few people there. It's best to go early in the morning or in the evening if you want to avoid so much heat. However, we did have a nice little storm last night, and water is still dripping off the roof. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you, that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know that an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Ephesians 5:15-20 Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, Let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God"s word i not an opportunity from God.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25-29
To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have, will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 2, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalm 113
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, it's a little cloudy and overcast this morning, but I went to sleep with the sound of thunder in my ears and flashes of lightning through the drapes. Nice. I didn't think we got any of the rain, though, but the porch was wet and so was the yard, so we got a little , anyway. That was good because we have not had any for a week.
I spent a lazy afternoon yesterday, mostly resting and reading. Oh, yes, I watched the Rays beat the Yankees, too!! I went to the park after church, but not a lot of people were out...mostly parents with little ones. Since there is no playground, most of the older kids don't come, but there is plenty of nature to see if they are interested. During school time, if you know the teacher, you might get invited in to see the interesting critters; some alive and some stuffed, in the classroom. She also usually has snakes, spiders and when Francia was the teacher, she always had screech owls, who had various disabilities , in their cages. So cute!
But I just saw the usual squirrels, and ibises and egrets yesterday. Oh, yes, I heard and then saw the red-headed woodpecker in our oak tree again, yesterday. God is good!
From The Message:
Psalm 113
Hallelujah!
You who serve God, praise God!
Just to speak his name is praise!
Just to remember God is a blessing-
now, and tomorrow and always.
From east to west, from dawn to dusk,
keep lifting all your praises to God!
God is higher than anything and anyone
outshining everything you can see in the skies.
Who can compare with God, our God
so majestically enthroned,
Surveying his magnificent
heavens and earth?
He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,
rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,
Seats them among the honored guests,
a place of honor among the brightest and best.
He gives childless couples a family.
gives them joy as the parents of children.
Hallelujah!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
I spent a lazy afternoon yesterday, mostly resting and reading. Oh, yes, I watched the Rays beat the Yankees, too!! I went to the park after church, but not a lot of people were out...mostly parents with little ones. Since there is no playground, most of the older kids don't come, but there is plenty of nature to see if they are interested. During school time, if you know the teacher, you might get invited in to see the interesting critters; some alive and some stuffed, in the classroom. She also usually has snakes, spiders and when Francia was the teacher, she always had screech owls, who had various disabilities , in their cages. So cute!
But I just saw the usual squirrels, and ibises and egrets yesterday. Oh, yes, I heard and then saw the red-headed woodpecker in our oak tree again, yesterday. God is good!
From The Message:
Psalm 113
Hallelujah!
You who serve God, praise God!
Just to speak his name is praise!
Just to remember God is a blessing-
now, and tomorrow and always.
From east to west, from dawn to dusk,
keep lifting all your praises to God!
God is higher than anything and anyone
outshining everything you can see in the skies.
Who can compare with God, our God
so majestically enthroned,
Surveying his magnificent
heavens and earth?
He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,
rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,
Seats them among the honored guests,
a place of honor among the brightest and best.
He gives childless couples a family.
gives them joy as the parents of children.
Hallelujah!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Friday, July 30, 2010
Stress and Serenity
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope some got to see the rising sun this morning! It started out orange and quickly rose to its usual brilliance. I have already had a heat warning, so I will try to be careful going out today. I always carry a bottle of water with me now.
Yesterday, when Brian S. was here, I spied a tiny anole... just about an inch and a half long wriggling up the wall. He caught it and we watched as it clung to his finger, then he let it go and the stripes really hid it in the grass. God makes all kinds of creatures for his and our pleasure.
I drove through the park last night after a meeting at church and was surprised to find lots of cars there. I guess people like to take a walk just before closing, instead of the heat of the day time. I had been there earlier and hardly any cars were there. I noticed the fence that was left has now been taken down, so the gopher tortoise has no barrier in his way. He used to have to dig his way under the fence. Parts of the grass had been mowed, but tall weeds cover the other grounds. It doesn't bother the ibis and the squirrels, though. That is their natural habitat. I was hoping to see some bunnies, but it probably was not late enough. But, God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray; and when it was evening, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23
Hon," the petite supermarket employee said in her southern drawl, "everybody I know says they are Just worn out." She took a deep breath, brushed a wisp of unruly brunette hair away from her blue eyes, and continued checking groceries.
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote: Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me." But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching. Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally.z'
He observed, "I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world. Every need is not a call for any involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon him. When He departed to pray in quiet solitude, He left a significant example for us to follow--daily.
God is a tranquil being and abides
in a tranquil eternity
so must your spirit become
a tranquil and clear little pool,
wherein the serene light
of God can be mirrored.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Yesterday, when Brian S. was here, I spied a tiny anole... just about an inch and a half long wriggling up the wall. He caught it and we watched as it clung to his finger, then he let it go and the stripes really hid it in the grass. God makes all kinds of creatures for his and our pleasure.
I drove through the park last night after a meeting at church and was surprised to find lots of cars there. I guess people like to take a walk just before closing, instead of the heat of the day time. I had been there earlier and hardly any cars were there. I noticed the fence that was left has now been taken down, so the gopher tortoise has no barrier in his way. He used to have to dig his way under the fence. Parts of the grass had been mowed, but tall weeds cover the other grounds. It doesn't bother the ibis and the squirrels, though. That is their natural habitat. I was hoping to see some bunnies, but it probably was not late enough. But, God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray; and when it was evening, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23
Hon," the petite supermarket employee said in her southern drawl, "everybody I know says they are Just worn out." She took a deep breath, brushed a wisp of unruly brunette hair away from her blue eyes, and continued checking groceries.
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote: Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me." But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching. Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally.z'
He observed, "I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world. Every need is not a call for any involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon him. When He departed to pray in quiet solitude, He left a significant example for us to follow--daily.
God is a tranquil being and abides
in a tranquil eternity
so must your spirit become
a tranquil and clear little pool,
wherein the serene light
of God can be mirrored.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Letting Go
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had lots of thunder and dark clouds late afternoon yesterday, but no rain. The sun is already brilliant today and it will be another very hot summer day.
The mockingbirds are really enjoying the podacarpus hedge next door. It is right outside my window and they have been flying in and out of the hedge all morning, pulling off the gray-blue berries. The berries are pretty large, but I guess the birds are able to peck at them enough to swallow them.
As I was coming back from my second of six radiation treatments yesterday, I saw another roseate spoonbill, down in the ditch...almost missed it, because it was so far down. They always give me a lift, because of their pink beauty!
A little ways beyond a large flock of ibis, immature and mature were busily aerating the ground near a retention pond. They always look so serious, intent on getting the grubs and worms out of the earth.
Brian S. came over to work on a corner of the house that had a broken block. It was good that we did not have rain, because he had to mix up cement which had to harden, but God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The spider monkey is a tiny animal native to South and Central America. Quick as lightning, it is a very difficult animal to capture in the wild. For years, people attempted to shoot spider monkeys with tranquilizer guns or capture them with nets, but they discovered the monkeys were nearly always faster than their fastest draw or quickest trap.
Then somebody discovered the best method for capturing this elusive creature. they found that if you take a clear narrow-mouth glass bottle, put one peanut inside it, and wait, you can catch a spider monkey.
What happens? The spider monkey reaches into the bottle to get the peanut, and it can't get its hand out of the bottle as long as it is clenching the peanut. The bottle is so heavy in proportion to its size, it can't drag it along---and the spider monkey is too persistent to let go of a peanut once it has grasped it. In fact, you can dump a wheelbarrow full of peanuts or bananas right next to it, and it still won't let go of that one peanut.
How many of us are like that---unwilling to change a habit, be a little flexible, try a new method, or give up something we know is bringing destruction to our lives? We stubbornly cling to our way , even if it brings pain or suffering.
Today, don't cling to a negative situation that may be draining you of your full vitality, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for living. As the well-known phrase advises, "Let go and let God!"
Trust the Lord to lead you to the wise counsel and new opportunities He has for you. Have faith in Him to provide what you truly need to live a peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. You may never lose your taste for peanuts, but with the Lord's help you can discern when they are trapped in glass bottles!
I asked God for all things
so I could enjoy life. He gave me life
so I could enjoy all things.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
The mockingbirds are really enjoying the podacarpus hedge next door. It is right outside my window and they have been flying in and out of the hedge all morning, pulling off the gray-blue berries. The berries are pretty large, but I guess the birds are able to peck at them enough to swallow them.
As I was coming back from my second of six radiation treatments yesterday, I saw another roseate spoonbill, down in the ditch...almost missed it, because it was so far down. They always give me a lift, because of their pink beauty!
A little ways beyond a large flock of ibis, immature and mature were busily aerating the ground near a retention pond. They always look so serious, intent on getting the grubs and worms out of the earth.
Brian S. came over to work on a corner of the house that had a broken block. It was good that we did not have rain, because he had to mix up cement which had to harden, but God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The spider monkey is a tiny animal native to South and Central America. Quick as lightning, it is a very difficult animal to capture in the wild. For years, people attempted to shoot spider monkeys with tranquilizer guns or capture them with nets, but they discovered the monkeys were nearly always faster than their fastest draw or quickest trap.
Then somebody discovered the best method for capturing this elusive creature. they found that if you take a clear narrow-mouth glass bottle, put one peanut inside it, and wait, you can catch a spider monkey.
What happens? The spider monkey reaches into the bottle to get the peanut, and it can't get its hand out of the bottle as long as it is clenching the peanut. The bottle is so heavy in proportion to its size, it can't drag it along---and the spider monkey is too persistent to let go of a peanut once it has grasped it. In fact, you can dump a wheelbarrow full of peanuts or bananas right next to it, and it still won't let go of that one peanut.
How many of us are like that---unwilling to change a habit, be a little flexible, try a new method, or give up something we know is bringing destruction to our lives? We stubbornly cling to our way , even if it brings pain or suffering.
Today, don't cling to a negative situation that may be draining you of your full vitality, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for living. As the well-known phrase advises, "Let go and let God!"
Trust the Lord to lead you to the wise counsel and new opportunities He has for you. Have faith in Him to provide what you truly need to live a peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. You may never lose your taste for peanuts, but with the Lord's help you can discern when they are trapped in glass bottles!
I asked God for all things
so I could enjoy life. He gave me life
so I could enjoy all things.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Prayer
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining, the birds are zipping by and the squirrels are climbing up and down the oak trees, and God is in charge, so all is well.
Have you all noticed how many butterflies there are this summer?. I see yellow ones, copper colored, brown, and large and small. It seems they are more plentiful this year than most for some reason. My beauty berry bush has really expanded this year, but I haven't noticed any berries on it. It reminds me of the mulberry tree we had in our yard when I was growing up. Of course, that was before clothes dryers, so the purple stains were not welcome on the clean clothes. But the birds like the purple beauty berries, too!
I was in time at the park yesterday to see an anhinga shaking his feathers vigorously before spreading his wings to dry..sort of like wringing out the water or shaking like a dog. It never lost its balance on the dead log, though. There were few people out in the heat of the day, but I am always impressed with the gnarly , twisted branches of the oak trees, contrasted with the green of the leaves and the deep shade. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How do I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Have you all noticed how many butterflies there are this summer?. I see yellow ones, copper colored, brown, and large and small. It seems they are more plentiful this year than most for some reason. My beauty berry bush has really expanded this year, but I haven't noticed any berries on it. It reminds me of the mulberry tree we had in our yard when I was growing up. Of course, that was before clothes dryers, so the purple stains were not welcome on the clean clothes. But the birds like the purple beauty berries, too!
I was in time at the park yesterday to see an anhinga shaking his feathers vigorously before spreading his wings to dry..sort of like wringing out the water or shaking like a dog. It never lost its balance on the dead log, though. There were few people out in the heat of the day, but I am always impressed with the gnarly , twisted branches of the oak trees, contrasted with the green of the leaves and the deep shade. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How do I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)